Watching a movie on a large screen outdoors has become a popular summer activity. There are several movie festivals in the area with lawn seating, and even a few drive-ins that hearken back to the good ol’ days. Most of the movies are free and offer an excellent opportunity for families to enjoy some time together on a hot summer night under the stars.

From Crystal City with Love

May 5 – Sept. 22

The 007 James Bond spy series, presenting the entire official collection of 21 action-packed films that make up the second most successful film series in movie history, airs on Monday evenings.  From Crystal City With Love is shown in the large, grassy courtyard along S. Bell Street between 18th Street and 20th Street. The courtyard is kitty-corner to the Crystal City Metro and directly across from Arena Stage and the Crystal City Marriott.

Comcast Outdoor Film Festival

July 25-27, at dusk

Ben Brenman Park, 5000 Duke St., Alexandria

703-838-4686 or 703-838-4844

Cox Movies Under the Moon

June 18-22; field opens at 6:30 p.m., showtime at 8:30 p.m.

Van Dyck Park, 3730 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax

www.cox.com/fairfax/moviesunderthemoon/schedule; 703-273-6097

Movie Under the Stars (drive-in)

Friday, June 20; pre-show event at 6:30 p.m., showtime at 9 p.m.

Potomac Mills’ parking lot (between Marshalls and Costco), 2700 Potomac Mills Circle, Woodbridge

www.potomacmills.com; 703-496-9355

Screen on the Green

Mondays, July 14-Aug. 11; showtime around 8:30-9 p.m.

National Mall, between 4th and 7th streets, Washington, D.C.

877-262-5866

Starlight Cinema (drive-in)

Saturdays, Aug. 2, 9, 26, 23 and 30; gates open at 6 p.m., pre-movie activities at 7:30 p.m., showtime at dark

Trinity Centre parking lot, 5875 Trinity Parkway, Centreville

www.fairfaxcounty.gov/sully/StarlightCinema; 703-324-7469

— Brittany Boyd